Christopher Null

What degree did you/will you receive and when?I received both a B.A. in History and a B.A. with Honors in Philosophy in May 2005. I will receive my M.A. in History in August 2008.

How long have you been at UAB? Five years - from 2003 to 2008.

What is your research? I am currently preparing a M.A. thesis on America's first conflict with the Arab world, the Barbary Wars.

Why did you choose UAB for your graduate studies?I was impressed by the size and strength of the UAB History Department. There are many exceptional scholars among the faculty and the level of scholarship produced here is astounding. The UAB History Department is a hidden gem - this is why I chose to pursue my M.A. here at UAB.

Have you received any awards or honors? Yes - along with the Samuel B. Barker Award, I have received the Ireland Research Travel Scholarship, the Ireland Tuition Scholarship, the David Hart White Prize in History, 1st Place in the 2007 Graduate School Research Day Competition, and a Graduate Assistantship with the UAB History Department.

What has been your most rewarding experience at UAB? Serving as the Head Editor of UAB's award-winning historical journal, The Vulcan Historical Review.

Who was your greatest influence here at UAB and why? It is difficult to narrow it down to one individual, but I would have to say that the sage advice of Dr. Carolyn Conley has been indispensable to my career here at UAB.

What is your motivation in your academics/research? I'm motivated by the desire to understand how things came to be the way they are - this is why I study history.

Do you have any advice/wisdom for other graduate students? "This life is worth living, we can say, since it is what we make it" -William James

What are your plans after graduating and for the future? After graduating from UAB in August 2008, I will be moving to California to pursue my Ph.D. in History at UCLA. Afterward, I hope to secure an academic post at a university and continue my research while teaching others.

Is there anything else you would like to say? I would like to thank more people than I could possibly list here. Without their support, I would not be where I am today. Thank you all!

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